Christmas Markets to fall in love with
Many cities are getting ready to welcome Christmas! Are you looking for a place like out of a movie where you can smell the holiday season? We got you!
Christmas Markets are a tradition that originated in Germany, but they are now held in many other countries. Some of them are spectacular, so much so, that it's worth the entire trip.
The selection was tough, we are not going to deny it, but we finally succeeded, we created a Top 6 of Christmas Markets according to visitors from all over the world.
So put your best scarves and gloves in your suitcase and get on a plane bound for one of these destinations.
Stockholm, Sweden - Christmas Market at Stortorget Square
Stortorget Christmas market is the oldest Christmas market in Sweden: it opened in 1837. It has 40 compact red stalls that blend perfectly with the historic atmosphere of a square in the heart of the old town. It's hard to think of a better location for a Christmas market.
Get warm with a traditional cup of sweet glög (the Swedish version of mulled wine) and find the perfect pair of knitted mittens or other souvenirs from local artisans. Be sure to try traditional Swedish Christmas food, you can't miss the pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies), saffransbullar (saffron buns), and typical local dishes such as elk, smoked sausages, and venison
*Picture by Sweetsweden
Sibiu, Romania - Christmas market on the Great Square
The Sibiu Christmas Market on the beautiful Grand Square is a very romantic place located in the city between three mountain ranges. Stroll through the rows of 70 stalls and select ceramics, furs, and wooden toys for children. Then head to the skating rink or the children's fairgrounds for festive fun.
Sibiu is very beautiful and worth a visit, regardless of the season. But its prime location in the Transylvanian highlands makes it particularly attractive in winter: the chances of a snowy Christmas are incredibly high here. Add to that a Christmas music concert or a magical light show and you have a fairy tale.
According to tradition, hunger and thirst can be quenched with mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. But be sure to leave room for Romanian-Hungarian delicacies: kozonak (muffin) and kyrtöskalác (cone-shaped cakes). The latter dish is the pride of the region's Hungarian minority. Merry Christmas!
*Picture by Itinari
Helsinki, Finland - Christmas Market at Senate Square
Ask any Finn, and he will proudly tell you that Santa Claus, the one and only, was also born in Finland. Head to the Senate Square Christmas Market in Helsinki for a chance to meet him in person. By the way, he appears there every day for everyone who wants to talk to him and discuss their vacation wish list. After that, don't forget to have a glass of warm glug, and you will immediately feel the thrill of the festive mood. And if that's not enough, a marching band, twinkling Christmas lights, and a couple of circles on the carousel will do their job.
Stroll through 133 local artisan stalls and be sure to try reindeer, the Finnish main dish.
*Picture by Turismo Finlandia
Toronto, Canada - Toronto Christmas Market
To add a little Canadian flavor to the European traditions, head to Toronto's Distillery District. The cobblestone streets and brick facades of industrial buildings provide a great historic setting. Twinkling lights, wooden stalls and a life-size gingerbread house create the requisite holiday spirit.
Arrive first and immediately head for the food stalls, they have everything, from German Bratwurst to Belgian waffles. But the real king of the party is the Poutine, the top-secret weakness of all Canadians. This is a mix of fries with spicy gravy and chunks of soft cheese. Then, before you're lured into the candy syrup candy trap, head to the Ferris wheel or carousel to work up an appetite.
Walk through the fair booths and find rows of assorted gifts, such as Canadian wax candles, wooden toys and even bacon socks. When you buy most of your holiday souvenirs, be sure to partake in the free tasting of wine, or beer. After all, this is the Distillery District, the area that was once the largest alcohol production center in the entire British Empire.
*Picture by Popsugar
Dresden, Germany - Striezelmarkt
Dresden's Christmas market, the oldest in all Germany, has been held for nearly 600 years. Craftsmen from all over Saxony flock to the 250 stalls are filled with everything from wooden decorations and nutcrackers to traditional candle pyramids. The name of the fair comes from the German fruit cake strüzel. Other sweet and hearty delights include (of course) mulled wine and gingerbread covered in chocolate and jam. Try the local bread and cheese (Dresden Rahmklecks) and don't forget traditional German delicacies such as Bratwurst and pretzel. Guten Appetit!
*Picture by Europan Best Destination
Chicago, United States - Christkindlemarket Christmas market
Modeled after the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, the Chicago fair is striving to replicate the success of its German predecessor. It takes place in the heart of the city, at the Daily Plaza.
It is the largest German Christmas market in the United States. Hundreds of striped booths offer classic German fair products: nutcrackers and Black Forest cuckoo clocks. Here you'll also find Ecuadorian ponchos and handmade gifts.
However, the local stars are the food vendors. Try some Bavarian winter specialties: sausages, sauerkraut, goulash soup, and scallops. For dessert, try baked apples or delicious pretzels. And, of course, spicy, mulled wine! Here it is served in a boot-shaped mug, especially for those who never have too many Christmas decorations.
*Picture by Kimpton
If you wish to visit any of these Christmas markets, ask for our fully customizable plans according to your needs and preferences.
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